Support for Jordan continues to grow

by Celia Shortt

Since news broke of Grantville Police Chief Doug Jordan’s suspension, support from all over the country has poured in.

“I would have never imagined the outpouring of support from the community,” said Jordan. “I am greatly humbled and feel the city is on the right track now.”

The support has increased from simple comments and bits of encouragement to much more.

“We are getting calls from police departments and individuals from all across the United States wanting to send us money for the chief’s salary, for the department and for setting up a drug enforcement program,” said City Manager Johnny Williams in an email to Grantville Mayor Jim Sells.

Chief Jordan has responded to those offers.

“Of the almost 500 emails of support, many have offered to pay my salary,” said Jordan. “For this I have declined and thanked them all. I did, however, suggest they could donate to the drug task force that our two councilmen are opposed to. Wouldn't it be hard for a city official to turn down donations that will help rid their city of illegal narcotics?”

Even “America’s Toughest Sheriff Joe Arpaio” and other Grantville city officials offered their support to Jordan.

“If I have to fly down to Georgia to defend him, I’ll do it,” Arpaio said. “That is how much I support him.”

“Chief Jordan has my full support,” said Mayor Sells. “He has the support of his staff and the community because of the job he is doing. At the next council meeting, with the full council present, I will ask to have his lost pay restored."

“Both the city manager and our chief are fine men and serve our city well, and it is my opinion that the council should support them unless and until there is a violation of the city charter or our ordinances, which are the laws for the city,” said Grantville City Council Member Selma Coty.

The initial story on the Times-Herald’s website — times-herald.com — had almost 300 comments. Most were offers of support, encouragement, and disbelief of the incident. Some of the comments were from local residents, and others were from as far away as Arizona and California. Chief Jordan was suspended for one calendar week without pay. He will be back in the office on Tuesday.